The results of surgical treatment of the ankle joint in patients with different body mass index

Abstract

Objective: to assess the possible effect of excess body weight on the results of surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the ankle. Material and methods. 134 patients with moderate to advanced ankle osteoarthritis who underwent supramallear osteotomy or ankle arthrodesis. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to Body Mass Index: A) underweight (BMI≤18.5 kg / m2), B) normal weight (18.5<BMI≤25 kg / m2), C) overweight (25<BMI ≤30 kg / m2) and D) obese (BMI>30 kg / m2). All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. All patients were evaluated physically, as well as by VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society). Results. The AOFAS and VAS at 3 months and 6 months after surgery were significantly better in all four groups compared to the preoperative scores. A comparison of the preoperative AOFAS and VAS scores showed no significant difference between the four groups (p=0.505, p=0.779). A comparison of the AOFAS and VAS 6 months after surgery revealed no significant difference between the four groups (p=0.313, p=0.711). Conclusions. For the middle and late stages of osteoarthritis, regardless of the level of the patient’s Body Mass Index, supramalleolar osteotomy, as well as ankle arthrodesis, showed the greatest effectiveness. During the early rehabilitation period, an increase in Body Mass Index had no negative effect on pain and functional recovery after ankle surgery.